pace1

1 [singular,uncountable]the speed at which somebody/something walks, runs or movesto set off at a steady/gentle/leisurely paceCongestion frequently reduces traffic to walking pace.The ball gathered pace as it rolled down the hill.The runners have noticeably quickened their pace.See related entries:Athletics

2 [singular,uncountable]pace (of something)the speed at which something happensIt is difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of change.We encourage all students to work at their own pace(= as fast or as slow as they can).I prefer the relaxed pace of life in the country.Rumours of corruption and scandal gathered pace(= increased in number).

3 [countable]an act of stepping once when walking or running; the distance travelled when doing thissynonymstepShe took two paces forward.To be a really good runner he needs to lengthen his pace a little.Competitors must stand at a distance of 20 paces from each other.

4[uncountable]the fact of something happening, changing, etc. quicklyHe gave up his job in advertising because he couldn't stand the pace.The novel lacks pace (= it develops too slowly).a pace bowler (= in cricket, a person who bowls the ball fast)

see alsopacyWord OriginMiddle English: from Old Frenchpas, from Latinpassus

‘stretch (of the leg)’

, from pandere

‘to stretch’

.Extra examplesHe’s a skilful player with a good turn of pace.I set off at a snail’s pace to conserve my energy for later in the race.I stopped a few paces from the edge of the cliff.I try to get away at weekends for a change of pace.She kept up a pace of ten miles an hour.Step back three paces.Take two paces forward.The pace of change means that equipment has to be constantly replaced.The pace of life is much slower on the islands.The project had a slow start, but is now gathering pace.The students work at their own pace.The younger children struggled to keep pace with the older ones.They set off at a blistering pace.Thinking that she was being followed, she quickened her pace.Two bodyguards remained a couple of paces behind the president throughout the walkabout.You shouldn’t have such a job if you can’t stand the pace.the slow pace of economic reformCompetitors must stand at a distance of twenty paces from each other.He gave up his job in advertising because he couldn’t stand the paceI prefer the more relaxed pace of life in the country.Jean followed a few paces behind.Rumours of corruption and scandal gathered pace.The novel lacks pace.Traffic was reduced to walking pace.We encourage all students to work at their own pace.You can get a device that counts how many paces you take in an average day.Idioms

to perform a particular activity in order to show other people what you are capable of doingWe watched the horses going through their paces.The British team showed its paces during a training session in the hotel pool.

to move, increase, change, etc. at the same speed as somebody/somethingShe found it hard to keep pace with him as he strode off.Until now, wage increases have always kept pace with inflation.The company is struggling to keep pace with changes in the market.

to give somebody/something a number of tasks to perform in order to see what they are capable of doingYoungsters will be put through their paces by qualified instructors.We sent our reporter to put Ford’s newest model through its paces.

1to do something at a particular speed or to a particular standard so that other people are then forced to copy it if they want to be successfulThe company is no longer setting the pace in the home computer market.

2(in a race)to run faster than the other people taking part, at a speed that they then try to copyWillis set the pace for the first mile.